DRDO’s Astra missile Cleared for limited series production by Indian Air Force

After DRDO’s Astra missile fired from Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft took down pilot-less target aircraft (PTA) Banshee, in last two rounds of User trials last December. Indian Air Force has cleared limited series production (LSP) of ingeniously developed Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).

According to information provided to idrw.org, IAF has decided to obtain 50 missiles to continue fine tuning the missile system before it decided to be adopted in large scale on all other fighter aircraft.

Astra BVRAAM possesses high single shot kill probability making it highly reliable to take down manoeuvring supersonic aerial targets up to 60kms. Astra incorporates many unique features like active radar terminal guidance, excellent electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) features, smokeless propulsion and process improved effectiveness.

IAF has shown interest in integrating Astra BVRAAMS in all frontline fighter aircraft like Tejas, Mig-29 and Mirage-2000s. Astra will be integrated with LCA-Tejas fighter next and will be standard Air-to-Air Missile on upgraded LCA-Tejas MK-1A.

NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form